We run a variety of classical and jazz programmes that are inclusive of all abilities and skill levels, which include symphony orchestras, string orchestras, wind bands and jazz bands. MYO has been around for over 55 years and has influenced the music careers of so many through its summer school programme, winter school programme and ensemble programme.
Why do you do it? I'm an alumni of MYO and I know from first-hand experience the value that good quality music education brings to students. I play French horn and grew up in Ballarat. Music was strong at my school, but being able to immerse myself in it more thoroughly by coming to MYO was absolutely life changing.
It brings me such joy to be able to create the same experiences for students that I enjoyed myself. I work in an area that I really love, which is logistics and planning of events and rehearsals.
What do you love about the city you live in? I live in the north-east suburbs of Naarm/ Melbourne, and my local area has lots of trees and birdlife, which feels so special.
I love observing the city as I commute to work: it's also beautiful with all the lights on the buildings lit up at night, but just as beautiful when observed from Princes Bridge through a light fog in the early morning.
Where did you go for your last holiday? I took a train ride on the Great Southern with my partner and my parents in January this year, from Brisbane to Adelaide. It was sensational – we drank a lot of wine, went to a lot of beautiful locations and generally had a great time! Highly recommend train travel as a way of experiencing some of Australia's scenery.
What's your favourite item of clothing? I collect shoes. My favourite pair currently is a pair of comfortable tan boots that I can wear all day and make me feel like a boss, but I have to say that this changes seasonally.
Also, anything from SÜK Workwear, who make amazingly comfortable clothes. My current favourite is a cropped set of overalls in a khaki green that I'll be able to rock again soon now that spring has arrived.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? 'Daria'. Used to watch this every day after school on the ABC.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go? Hmm. Probably the world premiere of a major work like Beethoven's 9th Symphony or Dvorak's 9th Symphony. Hard to believe those compositions, that are considered such classics to us, were once unheard of and were originally met with criticism.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I make a killer chocolate mousse; and a reasonably ok chicken chorizo paella too! I would also make a batch of scones with jam and cream.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned? Don't ignore your health, mental or physical.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows... I love eating raw cookie dough. I know it's bad for you, but it's so delicious! My favourite flavour is M&M Mini.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance? Yes. I have a good mix of work with flexible conditions that still allow me to pursue my own hobbies and take good holidays.
How do you define success? Success for me is more about doing things that I love and enjoy, most of which revolve around my love for music. I guess you could say I'm pretty successful because I work in a field I'm very passionate about, and can still play in community music groups in my own time.
What's your spirit animal? Probably dogs. They're so cheerful and loving and so happy to see their people. I'd love to be that positive all the time!
Last Saturday (20 September) Melbourne Youth Orchestras teamed with Sydney Youth Orchestras, uniting young musicians across the two cities for the 2025 edition of fundraising event The Big Busk.
Over 700 young Victorian musicians, comprising 14 ensembles, filled Queen Victoria Market for a vibrant programme of live music; from jazz and symphony orchestras to string orchestras and symphonic bands, alongside chamber groups, duos, and soloists at various busking spots throughout the market.
The Big Busk fundraising campaign continues for a number of weeks, with the MYO target of raising $35,000 currently at 81 per cent.
